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Lettuce is normally considered a cool-weather crop because of its tendency to bolt -- producing a center stalk containing blooms and seeds -- and become bitter when the temperature reaches 80 degrees. However, some lettuces tolerate heat better than others. The best way to ensure an abundance of leafy greens during summer heat is to choose heat-tolerant varieties and plant them in shady locations. Good locations for a bumper mid-summer lettuce crop include near a sun-blocking building, beneath tall crops such as corn, pole beans and tomatoes, or under a shade cloth draped over supports and rolled up at the sides to allow air circulation.

Cut-and-Come-Again

The "cut-and-come-again" method of harvesting lettuce is an excellent choice for heat because you harvest leaves young before the plant has time to bolt. This method can be practiced with any variety of loose-leaf or butterhead lettuce. Snip baby leaves within an inch of their bases and when new leaves grow in their place, take a second harvest. The bright green "Buttercrunch," rich and mild-tasting, is a particularly heat-tolerant "cut-and-come-again" lettuce. Watering seeds regularly, protecting small plants from excessive light and cutting the leaves when they are still small produces best results.

Crispheads

Crispheads, such as "Summer Crisp," also known as "French Crisp" or "French Batavian," are sweet, juicy and extremely crunchy lettuces, making them an excellent treat for hot months, in addition to being heat-tolerant. Harvest "Summer Crisp" at any stage of growth, from baby to full head, replanting every 3 weeks to ensure successive harvests.

Romaines

For a tasty romaine that is no stranger to desert sun, try the neon green oval-shaped leaves of "Jericho," developed in Israel. "Anuenue," a romaine developed in Hawaii by the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station, is another good choice for crackling temperatures. "Craquerelle du Midi," an open-hearted French variety, tastes similar to a "Buttercrunch," but has slightly taller leaves; its name is derived from the fact that it grows well in the midday heat of France.

Leafy Lettuces

The green and red-bronze leaves of "Red Sails," the ruffled leaves of "Black-Seeded Simpson," pale green "Kinemontpas" leaves, tender and deeply lobed "Royal Oak Leaf," the lime-green rosettes of "American Salad Bowl" and "Green Vision," with its glossy dark-green leaves, are all good candidates for hot weather growing. "Lollo Biondo" and "Lollo Rossa" are decorative lettuces with deeply curved leaves that will also perform well in heat. Mix leafy lettuces with heat-loving vegetables for a beautiful garden where the vegetables perform double-duty as shade-providers.

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